Contact Information

Biography

I have been working in the Geography and Environmental Studies department since 2010.

I am Turtle Clan, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, German and Irish, originally from Oklahoma. I have lived in the Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo community since 1995. I have worked at Laurier since 2007 and have been involved in the WLU MSW Aboriginal Field of Study Program, Aboriginal Services, the WLU Aboriginal Education Council, Aboriginal Convocation Committee and development of the WLU Academic Writing Manual for Aboriginal Graduate Students. I have an English BAH from the University of Guelph, and an Aboriginal Adult Education BEd from Brock University.

I come from a large family of teachers. I am a "whole-istic" health practitioner and ongoingly learn and gather (and share) skills from courses, teachers, research and life experience. I have been attending Sundance ceremonies since 2006. I learn from Anishnaabe teachers, and Haudenesaunee and Huichol Turtle aunties and uncles. I am very involved in our culture, ceremonies, and maintaining our traditions. I am also passionate about understanding and building relationships between all people. My background is in the arts, sustainability, peer counselling and advocacy, frontline work in diversity and relational worldviews and spiritual traditions, "whole-istic" health for people and communities, proposal writing and research, and empowerment and well-being for all people.